UK and US are fighting over a mere chai trend. Know what it is and what experts say about it

As Indians, most of us love chai and coffee. Evening snack sessions are incomplete without some piping hot tea or coffee. While we in most parts of the world add sugar or jaggery to coffee and tea, a new trend directs consumers to add salt instead. US' Prof Michelle Francl has started an intense debate: Should we add salt to coffee and tea?

What is the debate all about?

In her book, Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, the doctor recomendded adding a pinch in tea helps "reduce the bitterness". The professor also suggested that one should add warm milk to tea after pouring it to reduce any chances of curdling.

However, her suggestion has stirred up a storm. The Americans and Brits are now arguing if the perfect cup of tea should have a pinch of salt.

The US Embassy in London wrote a long note which read, "Today's media reports of an American professor's recipe for the 'perfect' cup of tea has landed our special bond with the United Kingdom in hot water."

The statement further said that the "unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain's national drink is not official United States policy. And never will be." The tweet also said Americans will continue to make tea by microwaving it.

The UK government wrote in reply, "We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly... Tea must only be made using a kettle."

In Britain, tea is usually made in a kettle, something that is not as popular in the States.

In India, adding salt to tea is a common phenomenon

However, in India too in many states salt is added to tea. People living in the colder mountain regions add salt to their tea. Residents of Kashmir and Ladakh generally add salt to their tea. Another example of salty tea is the Tibetan butter tea made by boiling tea with baking soda and salt in a tea urn.

According to experts, adding salt to your coffee reduces its bitterness and helps maintain the sodium levels in the body.

It is to be noted that last year, TikTokers went bonkers over salty coffee and it became a huge trend.

Also watch: TikTokers are adding salt in their coffee; know why this may be a good idea